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NCAAF · Final

Houston Cougars Edge LSU Tigers in Thrilling Finale

Saturday, December 27, 2025, 9:20 PM ET · Reliant Stadium

Houston Cougars 38, LSU Tigers 35, final. Our NCAAF picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won LSU Tigers vs Houston Cougars?

Houston Cougars beat LSU Tigers 38-35 at Reliant Stadium on December 27, 2025.

In a thrilling matchup at Reliant Stadium, the Houston Cougars narrowly defeated the LSU Tigers with a final score of 38-35. This game was significant not only for the close scoreline but also for the implications it had for both teams' seasons. Houston, with a home record of 10-3, showcased their ability to perform under pressure, while LSU, finishing their season at 7-6, struggled to find consistency throughout the year.

The Cougars entered this game with a recent form of 7-3 over their last ten games, currently on a one-game winning streak. They averaged 27.8 points scored per game while allowing 25.3 points. Their last five games saw them with a record of 3-2, scoring an average of 26.8 points and allowing 25.8 points. Houston's home record was 2-3, indicating that they had faced challenges on their home turf, but their overall performance suggested they were a formidable opponent.

In contrast, the LSU Tigers had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, ending with a one-game losing streak. They averaged 22.2 points scored and allowed 20.3 points per game. Their last five games reflected a record of 2-3, with an average of 16.6 points scored and 23.6 points allowed. Notably, LSU struggled on the road, finishing with an away record of 0-4, which contributed to their overall disappointing season.

The matchup was also notable given the teams' previous encounters, although specific historical results were not detailed in the block. However, the tension of a close game often brings out the best in both teams, and this match was no exception.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but injuries can often play a crucial role in the outcome of such tightly contested games.

From a betting perspective, the odds from DraftKings indicated Houston as a slight favorite with a spread of -1.5, a total set at 43.5, and both teams listed at -110 on the money line. This reflected a close contest anticipated by the market, aligning with the eventual scoreline.

Conditions on the day of the game were not specified, but playing at Reliant Stadium typically provides a controlled environment conducive to high-level football. Fans and viewers were likely treated to a display of offensive and defensive strategies, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses throughout the game.

As the game unfolded, viewers would have noted Houston's ability to capitalize on key moments, ultimately leading to their victory. The Cougars' performance was characterized by their scoring efficiency, while LSU's struggles, particularly on the road, were evident as they fell just short in a closely contested battle. This match not only highlighted the resilience of the Houston Cougars but also underscored the challenges faced by the LSU Tigers in their season.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsHOU -1.5 43.5 o -118 / u -102 LSU Tigers -110 · Houston Cougars -110

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

  • Passing yardsConner Weigman28/37, 230 YDS, 4 TDHouston Cougars
  • Rushing yardsDean Connors16 CAR, 126 YDS, 1 TDHouston Cougars
  • Receiving yardsTanner Koziol9 REC, 76 YDS, 1 TDHouston Cougars
  • Passing yardsMichael Van Buren Jr.16/26, 267 YDS, 3 TDLSU Tigers
  • Rushing yardsHarlem Berry3 CAR, 45 YDSLSU Tigers
  • Receiving yardsTrey'Dez Green4 REC, 80 YDS, 2 TDLSU Tigers

Recent form

Houston Cougars

Last 10: 7-3Streak W127.8 scored · 25.3 allowed per game2-3 at home

  • W31-24at Baylor BearsNov 29
  • L14-17vs TCU Horned FrogsNov 22
  • W30-27at UCF KnightsNov 8
  • L35-45vs West Virginia MountaineersNov 1
  • W24-16at Arizona State Sun DevilsOct 26
  • W31-28vs Arizona WildcatsOct 18
  • W39-17at Oklahoma State CowboysOct 11
  • L11-35vs Texas Tech Red RaidersOct 4
  • W27-24at Oregon State BeaversSep 27
  • W36-20vs Colorado BuffaloesSep 12

LSU Tigers

Last 10: 5-5Streak L122.2 scored · 20.3 allowed per game0-4 away

  • L13-17at Oklahoma SoonersNov 29
  • W13-10vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersNov 23
  • W23-22vs Arkansas RazorbacksNov 15
  • L9-20at Alabama Crimson TideNov 9
  • L25-49vs Texas A&M AggiesOct 25
  • L24-31at Vanderbilt CommodoresOct 18
  • W20-10vs South Carolina GamecocksOct 11
  • L19-24at Ole Miss RebelsSep 27
  • W56-10vs SE Louisiana LionsSep 20
  • W20-10vs Florida GatorsSep 13

Standings

TeamOverallIn conference
Alabama0-00-0
Arkansas0-00-0
Auburn0-00-0
Florida0-00-0
Georgia0-00-0
Kentucky0-00-0
LSU0-00-0
Mississippi State0-00-0
Missouri0-00-0
Oklahoma0-00-0
Ole Miss0-00-0
South Carolina0-00-0
Tennessee0-00-0
Texas A&M0-00-0
Texas0-00-0
Vanderbilt0-00-0
Arizona State0-00-0
Arizona0-00-0
BYU0-00-0
Baylor0-00-0
Cincinnati0-00-0
Colorado0-00-0
Houston0-00-0
Iowa State0-00-0
Kansas0-00-0
Kansas State0-00-0
Oklahoma State0-00-0
Texas Tech0-00-0
UCF0-00-0
Utah0-00-0
West Virginia0-00-0
TCU0-10-0

Box score

StatLSU TigersHouston Cougars
First downs1732
Third downs7-127-15
Fourth downs1-12-3
Total yards344437
Net passing yards267230
Completions16/2628/37
Yards per pass10.36.2
Rushing yards77207
Rushing attempts2445
Yards per rush3.24.6
Penalties9-954-29
Turnovers10
Fumbles lost10
Interceptions thrown00
Time of possession21:2838:32

Win probability

Above the line favours Houston Cougars, below favours LSU Tigers.

Venue

  • Reliant StadiumHouston, TX
  • Attendance63867

Elsewhere

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.